THE influenza outbreak in the M-League has claimed a fourth team. Negri Sembilan are the latest to be affected by influenza after Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), PKNS and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT II).
It is a huge problem for Negri, also known as the Deer, as they will play Police in a crucial Premier League match in Paroi today.
Both teams are challenging for the second promotion spot to the Super League next season.
“Some players were down with flu-like symptoms before our match against JDT II in Paroi on Tuesday.
“However, the regulars played despite being ill and, luckily, we won 3-1.
“Some have recovered but I am unsure whether they will be able to last the entire 90 minutes tomorrow (today),” Mat Zan told Timesport yesterday.
The former Terengganu coach disclosed that forward Ferris Danial Mat Nasir is injured and will not play, but Brazilians Almir Neto and Igor Luiz are available after recovering from flu.
Neto and Luiz have been instrumental of late with nine goals between them in the last four matches, and Negri will again be banking on the duo to tear Police’s defence to shreds in search of goals.
Four teams are fighting for the second promotion spot to join the already-promoted Sabah in the Super League next season.
They are third-placed UiTM FC (28 points), Negri (fourth, 28); Police (fifth, 27); and Penang (seventh, 24).
Negri, Police and Penang have two matches left to play while UiTM have only one.
Second-placed JDT II and sixth-placed Terengganu FC II are not eligible for promotion as they are feeder clubs to Super League’s JDT and Terengganu.
Police coach E. Elavarasan admitted that it would be tough in Paroi as Negri have been outstanding of late.
“However, nothing is impossible. Police were at the bottom of the table with only a point before I was handed the job, and today, the club are fighting for promotion.
“I hope our forwards Patrick Wleh and Uche Agba will be on fire tomorrow.
“Nigerian Agba has been outstanding with six goals in the last three matches.
“Although Liberian Wleh has not been hitting the target regularly, he is still a defender’s nightmare as he creates chances for others,” said Elavarasan.